What’s on Paris | Christmas Edition

As the holiday season begins to kick into full swing in Paris, you'll be taken away by the city’s Christmas transformation. Twinkling lights, window displays and markets turn the city into a festive wonderland. We've gathered a few of the most exciting Christmas events around Paris so that you can experience more this Christmas.

All the little lights | Ends 8th -10th January 2018

We've all heard that Paris is the City of Lights; this has never been truer than at Christmas time. The streets are decked out in millions of tiny little bulbs sparkling an array of different colors. People travel from all around the world to see the decorations that line Paris’ most famous streets. Take a stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne or just wander around the Montmartre district.

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The Big Wheel | Ends 5th May 2018

The Big Wheel at Palace de la Concorde is a staple on the Paris Christmas scene. As a symbol of Christmas in Paris, over 300 000 people come each year for a relaxing ride up to 70 meters high. Hop into one of the 48 pods and enjoy as you watch the Paris skyline come to life all around you.

Christmas Markets | Dependent on the Market

We’ve already done a CW guide to Christmas Markets posts recently, but it’s Paris, you couldn’t throw a candy cane in this city without it landing on the roof of one of those iconic wooden market chalets. Visit the Noël Dans Les Ètoiles at the Place Joachim-du-Bellay where you'll find over 70 stalls selling everything from crafts to decorations and food; take the kids to visit Santa's house or discover the enchanted forest.

If you take our advice to go for a stroll around the Montmartre district, stop off at the delightful Christmas market on Place des Abbesses. Pick up a nice warm glass of vin chaud and check out all the stands to pick up some sweet gifts for your friends and family back home.

Window shopping | Ends 8th- 10th January 2018

The Christmas window displays in Paris are second to none. Famous for their intricate designs, festive decorations and tiny animated figures putting on, what can best be described as, toy theater. You’ll find magic in the displays of shops like Printemps Haussmann, the Gallery Lafayette (Ends 30th December 2017), Bon Marché Rive Gaucheand BHV Marais. Most of these stores will section off a little area so that children get a front row seat to the show.

Christmas Châteaux | Ends 7 January 2018

Just outside of Paris, you’ll find the Vaux-Le-Vicomte Châteaux. This picturesque French Castle transforms its ceremonial rooms into a tasty delight for all the visitors to see. Other than a spectacular display of lights and decorations, guests will be delighted by the ornaments made of candy canes, pain d’épice, chocolate and other treats. Go outside the Châteaux to see brilliant light up deer decorations, all from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. The festivities are endless at this charming castle and will be well worth the visit. The Châteaux provides shuttles from the local train station, so all you have to do is hop on the train from Paris. Check out their directions.

Noël Gourmand | 15th- 18th December

If Christmas means food to you, then this is where you’ll want to be! The Noël Gourmand is a three-day fair celebrating food and French cuisine at the Cité de la Mode & du Design. The best regional food artisans come together to bring a feast of cheeses, local dishes, oils, seafood and more. Grab a personal glass to tote around with you so that you can enjoy free wine tastings along with small nibbles from stands before you put your money where your mouth is.

Paris Travel Tips Inside Destinations

City Wonders Team

Welcome to the new City Wonders blog! Inside these pages you'll find everything you need to experience your travels to their fullest. Whether it’s on our top-rated tours, or getting tips on what to do during your free time, our travel experts provide you with that 360° insight that makes every trip totally unique.

Find Your Tour

The Seine is the life and soul of Paris and cuts right through the very heart of the city. Whether you are in the French capital for a limited time only and want to see as many of the top sights as possible or simply fancy a romantic riverside walk, follow this route along the Seine to encounter many of the city’s icons.

Exhilarating as London is, even the most inexhaustible travelers may find themselves craving a break from the bustle of the big City. Out-of-town day trips from the capital are many and varied, ranging from nature-oriented hiking excursions to culture-heavy history tours to family-friendly fantasy escapes. Check out our recommendations of the best day trip destinations from London.

There is no time of year where Rome is quiet, a city with such history, romance and charm will always be measured in degrees of busy. Over Easter, however, you’ll probably be surprised to hear that Rome is not as crowded as most people expect.